Novice Range PCA Drink Driving

What is Novice Range PCA?

You may attract a charge of Novice Range PCA if you are legally supposed to have a zero blood alcohol content, and you blow up to 0.02 in a breath test. The zero limit applies to drivers who hold a learner licence or a provisional P1 or P2 licence.

What are the penalties for Novice Range PCA?

If you are found guilty of Novice Range PCA, a criminal conviction may be recorded against you, which can affect your ability to travel and work in certain occupations. However, in some circumstances, you may be able to avoid a conviction if you successfully argue for leniency under section 10.

Penalties you may face include:

First major offence within 5 years

Maximum fine

$1,100

Minimum disqualification

3 months

Automatic disqualification

6 months

Second major offence within 5 years

Maximum fine

$2,200

Minimum disqualification under Interlock

1 month

Maximum disqualification under Interlock

3 months

Interlock period

12 months

In rare cases, the court may grant an exemption to Interlock for a second offence. In these cases, disqualification periods will increase.

How severe is the Novice Range PCA charge against you?

Drink driving is generally viewed as a serious offence by the courts. This is particularly the case for drivers who are supposed to have no blood alcohol content at all. The penalties for this offence can cause quite a lot of hardship in terms of hefty fines and loss of licence.

Traffic Offender Intervention Program

This is an optional course designed to educate you about general driving matters and the importance of following traffic rules. If you have chosen to do this course, a certificate of completion will be provided to the court, and this may be favourably taken into account when determining your sentence.

Interlock program

If you have been convicted of a second Novice Range PCA offence in a five-year period, you will be ordered to participate in the Interlock program. The device will prevent you from starting your vehicle if you have alcohol in your system.

What happens next with a Novice Range PCA?

In addition to the potential penalties, the defences available to you and what action you should take after you have been charged with a Novice Range PCA depend on your individual circumstances.

This is one of the reasons why it is essential that you obtain legal advice from a drink driving lawyer as soon as you can. Nyman Gibson Miralis can advise you on how you might best defend a charge laid against you.